I DID IT!!  What an amazing experience cycling on closed roads through London and the Surrey Hills!  I was pleased with the result too as I got round the 100 mile course in 4h37m with an average speed of 35km/h helped by good conditions and starting in the first wave (5.44am!) with some fast riders.  I have to admit that the last 20 miles were particularly hard, but I was spurred on by the great support and the knowledge that it was for a good cause... 

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR KIND AND GENEROUS DONATIONS - IT MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE'S LIVES. 

The 21&Co charity has never had such a successful fundraising event: the organisers and beneficiaries are extremely grateful :)

Original message:

I'm riding this 100 mile event to raise funds for charity "21&Co".       

This is a fabulous charity that promotes inclusion and improves the lives of children with Down's Syndrome and their families.  It achieves this through a variety of activities including speech and language classes, social communication and drama groups, youth club, talks and workshops. This provides tremendous help both to the children with this condition by helping develop essential life skills, and also to parents and siblings by providing support community access.  

After a cycling accident five years ago, I thought my road bike days were over but... when I was offered a charity place by "21&Co" to ride the Prudential Ride 100 (an event I'd signed up to but never made in 2014), I decided it was time to dust of my cleats and get back on the saddle!  My wife and I were introduced to this charity 10 years ago, a few days after the birth of our daughter Lia, and we have seen what a positive impact it can make to children with this condition and their families.

Thank you for your support!